By Conor Hogan
West Ham have looked a much-improved side recently, winning three of their last four games to drag themselves closer to safety.
The Hammers have impressed over the last month, starting games at a blistering pace and looking much more adept in attack.
New attacking signings Taty Castellanos and Pablo have made West Ham a more proactive side, but there have been other improvements.
The Irons have conceded one goal or fewer in three of their last four games, even keeping their first clean sheet since August in their most recent match away at Burnley.
Considering how poor West Ham have been defensively this season, their recent performances have shown a marked improvement at the back.
There are several factors that have contributed to this upturn in form — new signings, a confidence-boosting cup victory against QPR, key players hitting form — but arguably the biggest factor has been the appointment of Nuno Espírito Santo’s assistant coach, Paco Jémez.
The 55-year-old, a former teammate of Nuno’s at Deportivo, joined West Ham’s backroom staff last month, and his arrival has coincided with the Hammers’ recent good form.
A centre-back by trade, it is no surprise that the Irons have improved defensively since Jémez came to the London Stadium.
The Spaniard has won the support of fans for his passion on the sidelines and his tendency to question the head coach’s decisions if he deems it necessary.
Jémez seemingly berated Nuno in one of his first games as assistant coach when the Portuguese boss threatened to bring on Max Kilman while the Hammers were leading against Sunderland — an action that proved popular with the West Ham faithful at the time.
Of course, Jémez is not the only factor in the Irons’ recent rejuvenation, but allowing Nuno to bring in his no-nonsense former teammate has done West Ham no harm — and his passion and judgement may yet help the Hammers’ survival chances this season.